It's Official - Bowyer & 5-hour ENERGY join forces with Michael Waltrip Racing

Michael Waltrip and Clint Bowyer unveil the No. 15 car at Kansas today.
Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

Michael Waltrip Racing made the "official" announcement that Clint Bowyer and 5-hour ENERGY have joined forces with them to become the third sponsored race team for their stable. The deal was signed and sealed approximately one week ago to include 24 sponsored races and locks Bowyer along with 5-hour Energy in for a three year span. MWR will be looking for sponsorship for the other 12 races of the 2012 season.

Bowyer said, "It's a big day for me and I think it's gonna' be a good time" when asked about his decision to join MWR and the forecast of his future with this race team. He did briefly speak of his great respect for Richard Childress who was responsible for his big break into the Cup series; however, he will be focusing on making a strong finish to this season and then beginning his new venture in 2012.

Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour ENERGY, is excited about his organization's partnership with Bowyer and MWR. "It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series. The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-hour Energy consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up."

Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman, made the following statement about this new chapter: "This is a watershed moment for our young organization. Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour ENERGY chose to race with us."

Waiting to make the big annoucement in his hometown, Bowyer's mom and
grandma were present for the unveiling. Credit: Unique Hiram for Skirts and Scuffs

The announcement was held off until now because Bowyer felt passionate about wanting to share this breaking news in his home state of Kansas. In 2012, he will be piloting the No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota and looking to expand upon his successes in the Cup series.